Colombia’s president has lifted a decade-long restriction on carrying firearms, changing national gun rules so permit holders can carry weapons for self-defence, according to Punch. The move ends a ban in place for about ten years and marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to civilian firearm possession and public security policy.

Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a 23-year-old man found in possession of a loaded, locally made shotgun. According to Punch, authorities are investigating the source of the illegal firearm and the purpose for which it was intended. The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb the circulation of illegal weapons in the state. Further details on the suspect's identity and possible charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a potential improvement in relations with Colombia following the preliminary results indicating that Abelardo de la Espriella is likely to become the country's next president. Trump had previously endorsed de la Espriella, suggesting a favorable outlook for future diplomatic interactions between the two nations.

Businessman Scharnick has been granted bail in a case involving an alleged breach of firearm laws, TimesLIVE reports. According to the report, officers allegedly discovered that one of the accused's firearms was not stored in a prescribed safe, as required by regulation. The matter is expected to proceed through the courts while Scharnick remains out on bail pending further legal proceedings.

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have intensified raids on crime-prone areas to mop up small arms and light weapons ahead of electioneering activities, according to Leadership. The command said a 23-year-old suspected cult leader was apprehended with a firearm in Ikot Ekpene local government area. Police disclosed the development to journalists at the state headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, describing it as part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free election period.

Police in Equatorial Guinea drew firearms on migrants who had been deported there from the United States, according to three witnesses and video footage shared with Reuters. The incident has intensified concerns about the treatment and safety of deportees sent to the Central African nation under US President Donald Trump's deportation programme. Video of the encounter, reported by Sowetan, has drawn attention to the conditions migrants face upon arrival in third countries accepting US deportees.